The morning light caught the embroidery on her galabiyya as she moved, the turquoise fabric flowing around her with natural grace. The silver thread woven through the traditional garment sparkled and shimmered, reminding him of starlight dancing across desert sands. Her transformation into a Djinn suited her in ways he'd never anticipated, the ethereal qualities of their kind enhancing her innate elegance.
Kieran waved his hand, conjuring an ornate silver tea service that appeared on the table. His gaze followed Mandy as she settled into one of the cushioned chairs, the turquoise galabiyya pooling gracefully around her. A becoming flush still colored her cheeks, and she kept her eyes downcast, stealing quick glances at him through her lashes before looking away again.
His heart quickened with satisfaction as he recalled the way she had melted into his embrace, returning his kiss with an intensity that matched his own. There had been no hesitation once the initial surprise wore off, no holding back. Her fingers had clutched his robes, pulling him closer as if she couldn't get enough of him.
The memory made his ancient heart beat faster. In all his centuries, he had never felt such an immediate, overwhelmingconnection to another being. The way she fit against him, how naturally she responded to his touch - it confirmed his decision, one he had made for both of them, to snatch her from mortality's cold embrace by reshaping her essence into that of a Djinn.
His silver-blue eyes traced the curve of her neck as she bent to inhale the fragrant steam rising from the delicate porcelain. Even such a simple gesture carried an innate elegance that seemed perfectly suited to Qaf's ethereal beauty.
"Thank you," she murmured, finally meeting his gaze directly. The flash of heat in her forest-green eyes before she looked away again sent warmth cascading through him.
Kieran watched as Mandy sipped her tea, her forest-green eyes widening at the exotic blend of spices. His heart, cold for so long, warmed at her obvious pleasure in such a simple thing. The morning light streaming through the arched windows caught the threads of silver in her dark hair, and the way her fingers curled around the delicate porcelain spoke of an innate grace that belonged in his magical realm.
She would have to be told soon about her transformation, about how he had reshaped her essence into that of a Djinn rather than let death claim her. But for now, he simply savored this peaceful moment - her quiet appreciation of the tea, the gentle desert breeze carrying hints of jasmine, and the knowledge that she was here, safe in his home, where she belonged.
Something deep within him settled with contentment as she reached for a piece of fresh bread, perfectly at ease in this otherworldly setting. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
Mandy curledher fingers around the delicate porcelain teacup, grateful for something to focus on besides the lingering sensation of Kieran's kiss. The spiced tea's exotic fragrance filled her senses, but couldn't quite distract her from the memory of how perfectly she had fit against him, how natural it felt when his arms pulled her close.
Her cheeks burned hotter. She stole another quick glance at him through her lashes, admiring how the morning light caught his silver-white hair. The stern set of his features had softened somewhat, and was that actually a smile playing at the corners of his mouth?
Her heart skipped, then resumed its wild rhythm. She took another sip of tea, trying to calm her racing pulse. The kiss had been unexpected, overwhelming in its intensity. One moment she had been hugging Dinen, delighting in the magical cat's presence, and the next... Her fingers trembled slightly against the teacup as heat bloomed through her chest at the memory.
What did it mean? Should she say something? The silence stretched between them, not exactly uncomfortable but charged with unspoken questions. Mandy focused on her tea, watchingthe play of light through the delicate porcelain as she tried to gather her scattered thoughts.
That kiss had shattered something inside her, breaking down walls she hadn't even realized she'd built. The raw emotion in his voice when he said he couldn't let death take her - she pressed her free hand against her chest, trying to contain the surge of emotion.
A woman entered the alcove carrying an ornate silver tray, her movements graceful despite her burden. Her dark hair was caught up in an intricate arrangement of braids, and she wore flowing robes in shades of deep red and yellow that seemed to shimmer as she walked. The soft fabric brushed soundlessly against the marble floor with each step.
Dinen padded behind her, the magical cat's blue flames flickering with interest as it sniffed at the covered dishes on the tray. The woman clicked her tongue and gently pushed the massive spotted cat away with her hip.
"No, you greedy thing. This is not for you." Her voice held warmth and affection despite the scolding. "Go hunt your own breakfast."
Mandy couldn't help smiling as Dinen gave an offended chuff before stalking away, tail held high as he easily leaped the balcony railings to disappear into the shrubbery.
The woman set the tray on the table with practiced ease, arranging various covered dishes between Mandy and Kieran.
"Mandy, this is Aaliyah," Kieran said, his deep voice carrying warmth Mandy hadn't heard before. "She keeps this household running smoothly, despite certain feline interference."
Aaliyah's dark eyes crinkled with amusement as she gave a small bow in Mandy's direction. "Welcome to Qaf, my lady. I trust you slept well?"
My lady?Mandy blinked at the formal address, her fingers tightening around the warm teacup. No one had ever called herthat before. The words felt foreign, almost surreal in this already magical setting.
"I... yes, thank you. I slept wonderfully." She managed a smile at Aaliyah, still thrown by the unexpected title. Aaliyah's dark eyes twinkled as she finished arranging the covered dishes. With another graceful bow, she glided from the alcove.
"Aaliyah and her family live in the village some distance away," Kieran explained, lifting one of the silver covers to reveal what appeared to be fresh flatbread. Steam rose from the plate, carrying an enticing aroma of herbs. "Many Djinn prefer the traditional lifestyle of the village."
Mandy glanced out the arched windows again, trying to spot signs of the village through the carefully tended greenery. The morning light played across the endless expanse of golden sand, but she couldn't make out any buildings or tents.
"You won't be able to see it from here," Kieran said, apparently reading her curiosity. "It's a few miles away, beyond those dunes."
Mandy turned her attention to the covered dishes, lifting each silver lid with growing curiosity. The aromas that wafted up made her mouth water - fresh bread, eggs that seemed to have been scrambled with unfamiliar but enticing spices, and what appeared to be honey but with an iridescent golden sheen she'd never seen before.
She selected a piece of the flatbread, still warm from the oven, and spread it with the mysterious honey. The flavor burst across her tongue - definitely honey, but with subtle notes of flowers she couldn't name, as if bees had gathered nectar from magical blooms. Next, she tried the eggs, discovering they were perfectly cooked and seasoned with spices that seemed to dance on her palate.
